As Chihaya realizes she has no dreams outside of Karuta, Taichi devises a plan to help her find her other passions...but really he hopes she'll finally realize her love for him. COMPLETED.
I couldn't catch my breath. Knowing Taichi, he would start chasing me. So, I turned down multiple back alleyways and paths he wouldn't suspect. After running for a straight twenty minutes, my lungs were on fire.
I stopped and hunched over, sucking in all the air I could. Why did he do that? Why did he trick me? Why did I give in? Was it true? Did I love Taichi? I didn't know.
Evening rays beamed down on me. The sky was colored with pink and orange strokes. As the sun dipped behind the horizon, my shadow grew taller.
I panicked a little when I realized that I was lost. I had no idea how far I had gone or what part of town I was in. I could always call my parents and have them pick me up. But I didn't want to go home. Chitose would pounce on me and demand that I tell her everything. I wasn't ready for that.
Instead, I found a nearby grassy hill that overlooked one of the main rivers. At the top of the hill, was a sidewalk. I wandered off the sidewalk and collapsed into the thick grass on my back.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
It was beautiful and gave me a moment's peace. My fingers stroked the grass, plucking up strands as I attempted to empty my mind. The sky was darkening, and one by one stars appeared in the sky. Breathe steadily. In. Out. In. Out. Better. Much better.
I heard someone's footsteps against the pavement. I didn't bother looking. Most likely a jogger.
"Chihaya!" I heard Taichi yell. He sounded as if he was in search of a lost child. That's the level of concern his voice carried.
I flattened myself, hoping the grass would shield my body from his view. Then the footsteps ceased. Taichi was standing over me, staring down.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I covered my eyes with my hands, wishing I could make him disappear. Then I heard him sit next to me.
I listened as his breathing slow, "I'm very sorry, Chihaya."
I sat up and crawled over on my knees to him, "Why did you do it? Why did you trick me?"
"I just wanted to hear you say it. It was very selfish of me," he plucked a blade of grass.
